U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stern warning to Mexico on Saturday, signaling that the United States may start rejecting flight requests from Mexican airlines. This move follows a contentious decision by Mexican authorities to displace American cargo carriers from Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport and to revoke landing slots previously allocated to U.S. airlines. Duffy, appointed under the Trump administration, accused Mexico of violating the terms of a 2022 bilateral aviation agreement.
The dispute centers on the claim that Mexico has improperly stripped American carriers, including industry giants American Airlines, Delta, and United, of their landing slots at the capital's primary airport. The slots were rescinded as part of an order to relocate U.S. cargo carriers, a decision made without offering alternative arrangements. In retaliation, Duffy has mandated that all large Mexican passenger and cargo aircraft must now obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation before operating in U.S. airspace. This measure is purportedly to safeguard American aviation interests.
The Secretary has been particularly critical of the Biden administration and former Secretary Pete Buttigieg, accusing them of permitting Mexico's contravention of the agreement, a failure that Duffy alleges has cost U.S. businesses millions in additional expenses. Emphasizing an "America First" approach, Duffy has vowed to uphold the principle of fair play within the aviation market.
The Department of Transportation has highlighted further grievances, noting that the construction project cited as justification for the relocation of American cargo carriers from Mexico City has not commenced, despite a three-year lapse. The carriers were given a mere 108 days to vacate. This action contradicts the objectives of the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement, initiated under the Obama administration to foster increased cooperation and market access.
Mexico's position as the top international destination for U.S. travelers, based on 2019 data from the Department of Commerce's National Travel and Tourism Office, underscores the significance of this aviation relationship. The Department's response to the slot allocation dispute also includes a proposal to revoke antitrust immunity from Delta and Aeromexico's joint venture, a move that would sever their collaborative operational ties.
The Department has criticized Mexico's lack of transparency in slot allocation, asserting that such practices undermine fair competition and breach international norms. An official order to Delta highlighted the risks these practices pose to the competitiveness of the U.S.-Mexico aviation market.
The repercussions of Mexico's actions are widespread, affecting new market entrants, established carriers, consumers, and American businesses dependent on timely cargo deliveries. Delta Airlines has expressed its concern, cautioning that the proposed changes could harm U.S. jobs, regional economies, and the overall dynamic of cross-border air travel. Delta is currently reviewing the Department's directives and plans to engage with the Trump administration to address the situation.
